This year marks the 28th Annual Payson Scottish Festival and Highland Games which will be held on July 8-9 at Memorial Park in Payson. This event is a free, community-sponsored event.
I went two years ago and it was quite a sight to see. There was plenty of entertainment, booths to look through, food, and the sporting events were by far the most interesting thing I had ever seen – a bunch of men throwing large things around – it doesn’t get any more interesting than that.
Friday night, entertainment will begin at 6:00 pm in the center of the park with the usual booths all around including food, artwork, clothing, jewelry, books, and swords.
Performer Schedule:
- 6:00PM – 7:00PM Alex Bigney
- 7:00PM – 8:00PM An Dragan Ceilteach
- 8:00PM – 9:00PM New Horizons Orchestra
Saturday, the festival begins at 8:00 am.
8:00AM Scottish Sprint
Starting at the park
9:00AM Parade
Route is along Main Street, begins at corner of Utah Avenue and Main Street, follows Main Street to 300 S. and ends at 100 E.
9:30AM Opening Ceremonies and Massed Bands
Located on the Athletic Field
8:00AM – 5:00PM Competitions
Various locations throughout the Park
10:00AM – 4:00PM Bandstand Entertainment
Located at the Bandstand
5:00PM Closing Ceremonies and Massed Bands
Located on the Band Field
Performer Schedule:
- 10:00AM – 11:00AM Celtic Country Dancers
- 11:00AM – 12:00PM Power Academy of Irish Dance
- 12:00PM – 1:00PM Bad Colleen
- 1:00PM – 2:00PM Celtic Folk Band
- 2:00PM – 3:00PM Bad Colleen
- 3:00PM – 4:00PM Celtic Folk Band
- 4:00PM – 6:00PM Alex Bigney
- 6:00PM – 7:00PM Steve McDonald
| Time | Men’s Event | Women’s Event |
| 8:00AM | Stone Puts | Stone Puts |
| 8:45AM | Light Weight for Distance | Heavy Weight for Distance |
| 10:00AM | Heavy Weight for Distance | Light Hammer |
| 11:00AM | Hammer | Light Weight for Distance |
| 1:00PM | Caber Toss | Weight for Height |
| 2:00PM | Weight for Height | Sheaf Toss |
| 3:00PM | Sheaf Toss | Caber Toss |
The dance competitions will be held in the dance tent located on the north side of the park. Chairs will be available for the spectators.
